Professional Medical Assistants – Your Journal

Professional Medical assistants – Your Journal is a place where you can come to learn about the medical field, and also get support from other medical professionals.

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The medical assistant profession – an overview

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health care professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient facilities such as medical offices and clinics. They perform both administrative and clinical tasks, although their duties vary depending on state law and the specific office policies. In some states, medical assistants may be allowed to perform more advanced tasks, such as suturing or giving injections, while in others they are limited to administrative duties.

Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program that typically lasts about one year. Some programs award a diploma or certificate, while others offer an associate degree. A small number of four-year colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in medical assisting, but this is not required for the profession.

The majority of medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many others work in hospitals, clinics or other health care facilities. A small number work in research laboratories or colleges and universities.

The medical assistant role and responsibilities

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who supports the work of physicians and other health care providers. Medical assistants perform many duties to keep the offices of physicians and other health care providers running smoothly. The responsibilities of medical assistants vary from office to office, but there are many common tasks, such as taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, completing insurance forms, scheduling patients for appointments, preparing laboratory specimens, and performing basic laboratory tests.

The medical assistant skillset

The medical assistant skillset is one that is in high demand in the current job market Professionals with these skills are able to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. They play a vital role in the daily operations of these facilities, and their responsibilities can vary depending on the size and type of facility they work in.

Some of the most common duties of medical assistants include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, preparing patients for examinations, assisting physicians during examinations, and performing basic laboratory tests. In addition to these responsibilities, medical assistants may also be responsible for handling insurance paperwork and billing, maintaining medical records and ordering supplies.

The skills required to be a successful medical assistant are varied, but there are some key qualities that all successful medical assistants share. They must be detail-oriented and organized, have excellent communication skills, and be able to work well under pressure. In addition, medical assistants must have a strong knowledge of Medical Terminology and be able to follow instructions both written and verbal.

The medical assistant training and education

Medical assistants are allied health professionals responsible for various administrative, clinical, and technical tasks in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They perform many different roles within the healthcare team and often serve as a patient’s primary point of contact with the medical office.

The medical assistant training and education vary depending on the specific state regulations. Most states require medical assistants to complete a postsecondary medical assistant program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs typically last one year and award a certificate or diploma upon completion. Some states also require medical assistants to pass a certification exam before they can practice.

The medical assistant certification

Getting your medical assistant certification is a huge accomplishment. In most cases, it is the culmination of many months of hard work and dedication. But, once you have your certificate, what do you do with it? How do you put it to use?

The most obvious answer is to find a job as a medical assistant. But, there are other options as well. You could start your own business or become a certified medical assistant instructor. You could also use your skills and knowledge to volunteer in your community.

There are many ways to use your medical assistant certification. It all depends on what you want to do with it. So, take some time to think about your career goals and what you want to accomplish. Then, put together a plan to make it happen.

The medical assistant job outlook

Medical assistant job outlook is good. The profession is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026, adding approximately 182,600 new jobs. This growth can be attributed to an aging population and advances in medical technology, which require more medical procedures, tests, and treatments.

The medical assistant salary

As a medical assistant, you will be an important part of the healthcare team. Your job will be to assist the physician with patient care, and you will also be responsible for performing administrative and clinical tasks. The medical assistant salary is based on the level of experience and education, as well as the geographic location of the position.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2016. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,930. The median hourly wage was $16.70.

The best-paying industries for medical assistants are:
-Offices of physicians: $17.24 per hour or $35,970 annually
-General hospitals; state, local and private: $16.59 per hour or $34,560 annually
-Outpatient care centers: $15.79 per hour or $32,850 annually
-Offices of other health practitioners:$15.66 per hour or 32,620 annually

The states with the highest employment level for medical assistants are:
-California: $17.10 per hour or $35,640 annually
-Texas: $15.75 per hour or $32,780 annually
-Florida:$14.94 per hour or $$31,170 annually
-New York:$16.29 per hour or $$33 920 annually

The medical assistant career path

Medical assistants are in high demand and expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average occupation.* They play a vital role in the healthcare industry, supporting physicians and other medical professionals by performing administrative and clinical tasks. From managing patient records to sterilizing equipment, medical assistants keep healthcare offices running smoothly.

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, you’re probably wondering what the career path looks like. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some have completed postsecondary education, such as a certificate or associate’s degree program. While not required, certification can demonstrate your proficiency in specific areas of medical assisting and make you more attractive to employers.

Once you have your education and/or certification, you’re ready to start seeking out medical assistant jobs. Many medical assistants work in physician’s offices, but they can also be found in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

As a medical assistant, you can expect to perform both administrative and clinical tasks. Administrative duties might include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and handling billing and insurance paperwork. Clinical tasks could involve taking patients’ vital signs, preparing them for examination, documenting their symptoms, collecting laboratory specimens, and assisting with minor office procedures.

While most medical assistants work full time during regular business hours, some positions might require evening or weekend hours. And as the healthcare industry continues to grow, the demand for medical assistants is expected to increase as well. This means that now is a great time to start your career as a medical assistant!

The medical assistant job market

The medical assistant job market is growing at a phenomenal rate. This growth is being fueled by several factors, including the aging population and the Affordable Care Act The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth means that there are many opportunities for those who are interested in this career. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health care professionals. They are a vital part of the health care team and play a key role in keeping physician’s offices running smoothly.

If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, now is the time to get started. The first step is to find a reputable training program that can give you the skills you need to be successful in this rapidly growing field.

The medical assistant profession – myths and realities

Medical assistants are in high demand due to the growing healthcare industry. However, there are many myths surrounding this profession. Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths and dispel them once and for all!

Myth #1: Medical assistants are not real medical professionals.

Reality: Medical assistants are highly trained professionals who perform a variety of medical and administrative tasks in doctor’s offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass a certification exam to earn their credential.

Myth #2: Medical assistants only do menial tasks.

Reality: Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks. Clinical tasks include taking patient vital signs, administering immunizations, performing basic lab tests, and assisting with minor surgical procedures. Administrative tasks include scheduling appointments, billing insurance companies, and managing patient records.

Myth #3: Anyone can be a medical assistant.

Reality: While it is true that no formal education is required to become a medical assistant, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assistant program and earned their professional credential. In addition, most states have regulations regarding the scope of practice for medical assistants, so it is important to be aware of these before beginning your career.

Now that you know the truth about the medical assistant profession, you can make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right career path for you!